Lemon Frozen Yogurt

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lemon frozen yogurt offers the perfect balance of tart and sweet. The smooth texture from the Greek yogurt pairs wonderfully with the bright and refreshing lemon flavor. Plus, it's a quick and easy recipe with minimal ingredients, meaning you can whip it up in no time. You’ll love that it’s customizable with your choice of sweetener and that it can be made without an ice cream maker if you don't have one.

Ingredients

• 2 cups vanilla Greek yogurt or dairy-free alternative

• ⅓ cup sugar or sweetener of choice

• ¼ cup lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 1 lemon)

• ½ teaspoon ground turmeric or a few drops of food coloring (optional for a brighter color)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a large measuring cup, whisk together all the ingredients—Greek yogurt, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and turmeric (if using).

2. If you have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into the chilled machine and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency.

3. If you don't have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into ice cube trays and freeze until solid. Once frozen, let it thaw just enough to blend easily in a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth.

4. Serve immediately or store in the freezer until you're ready to enjoy. Garnish with extra lemon zest or mint leaves if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: 3 cups

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 10 minutes (plus freezing time, if applicable)

Variations

• For a dairy-free version, simply substitute the Greek yogurt with your favorite dairy-free yogurt alternative.

• Add fresh berries such as raspberries or strawberries to give your frozen yogurt a fruity twist. Blend them in before freezing for an extra layer of flavor.

• You can swap out the lemon zest for lime zest for a tropical citrus twist.

• If you prefer a less sweet option, you can adjust the amount of sugar or opt for a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener.

Storage/Reheating

• Store any leftover frozen yogurt in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1-2 weeks.

• To serve leftovers, let them sit out for a few minutes to soften before scooping, or you can quickly blend it in a food processor to restore the creamy texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

Yes, you can substitute regular yogurt, but Greek yogurt provides a thicker, creamier texture. Dairy-free alternatives also work well.

2. How do I make this recipe without an ice cream maker?

Simply pour the mixture into ice cube trays, freeze it until solid, and then blend it in a food processor or blender until smooth.

3. How long does it take for this lemon frozen yogurt to freeze?

If you use an ice cream maker, it should take about 20-30 minutes to churn. If freezing in ice cube trays, the freezing time will depend on the size of the cubes, but it typically takes several hours to fully freeze.

4. Can I use a different citrus instead of lemon?

Absolutely! You can substitute lemon with lime, orange, or even grapefruit for a fun variation of this frozen yogurt.

5. Can I make this without added sugar?

Yes, you can use a natural sweetener like honey, agave, or a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit. Adjust the amount to your preference.

6. Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?

Yes, you can fold in chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or other mix-ins after the yogurt has been churned or blended. Just be sure to add them before freezing.

7. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the frozen yogurt a day or two in advance and store it in the freezer. Just let it thaw a bit before serving.

8. Can I make this recipe in a food processor?

Yes! If you don't have an ice cream maker, simply freeze the mixture in ice cube trays and then blend it in a food processor until smooth.

9. How do I know when the frozen yogurt is done churning?

When using an ice cream maker, the frozen yogurt should have thickened and reached a soft-serve consistency. You can scoop it out and taste to make sure it’s as creamy as you like.

10. Can I adjust the tartness of this frozen yogurt?

Yes, if you prefer a sweeter yogurt, you can add more sugar or sweetener to balance out the tartness of the lemon.

Conclusion

This lemon frozen yogurt recipe is an easy and refreshing way to enjoy a sweet treat during the warm months. It's versatile, quick, and offers a perfect balance of tart and sweet. Whether you choose to make it with or without an ice cream maker, it’s bound to become a favorite in your summer dessert rotation. Enjoy!

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